Volume 06 Issue 04

OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal 

Evaluation Of Agricultural Extension Messages That Support Adoption Of Improved Cassava Production Technologies: A Case Of Public And Private Sector Extension In Rivers State, Nigeria
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ogueri
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology,
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 11-25, 2013.

Abstract: Research on improved cassava varieties in Nigeria was championed by IITA to enhance food security. Most new varieties had enormous advantages over the local varieties that had familiar terrain; hence mass adoption should be advocated.

The public extension services adopted Training and Visit (T & V) system to canvas for adoption of the improved varieties. Similarly, the private sector extension system of the oil and gas companies bombarded same farmers with similar messages on improved cassava varieties. It appeared that the public and private sector extension approaches did not yield anticipated results as cultivation of local varieties was still on the increase in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Thus, there was need to evaluate the technology packages in terms of agricultural extension messages on improved cassava varieties by the public and private systems as represented by Rivers State ADP and SPDC agric services respectively based on content, communication method and farming systems.  This was indeed the main objective of the study.

Methodology was participatory through interviews, Focused Group Discussion and questionnaires to semi-literate farmers. Data was obtained from both the service providers (extension agents) and clientele. It was difficult to isolate farmers based on sources of information. The public and private extension agencies targeted same farmers, a situation that created confusion in understanding, assimilation and adoption of technologies on improved cassava varieties. This confusion seemed to have caused moderate adoption while cultivation of local varieties was still on the increase regardless the concerted efforts of public and private sector extension systems.

Analysis was by simple descriptive statistics, t-test and correlation.

Results showed that farmers targeted by both public and private sectors were mostly illiterates on subsistence agriculture while cassava production was treated as “a woman crop”. The content of extension messages (technologies) was not concise but ambiguous; thereby leading to multiple interpretations. The public sector extension officers complained of no sustainable mobility which affected frequency of visits. Extension officers from both public and private sectors became complaisant and relied on each other to fill gaps of inefficiency. This confirmed the adage “goats owned by more than a person always die of starvation”.  Farmers were left at the mercy of managing distorted information from extension officers. The private sector saw agricultural extension as Corporate Social Responsibility based on charity and not supported by any legislation or policy framework. It was adjudged as not having direct bearing to the upstream or downstream oil and gas sectors. Thus, agricultural extension service was down-played hence SPDC recently scrapped its agricultural services while TEPNG and NAOC are in dilemma of continued support to farmers.  

It was recommended that legislative and policy framework enforcing private sector extension system be required to demonstrate political will to sustain agricultural development in Nigeria and by implication, an assurance for food security.  Commercial farms headed by men should be involved to enhance commercial production of cassava in Nigeria. Federal government of Nigeria should provide special incentive to encourage public and private sector extension services to sustain planned economic empowerment programme. Finally, as literacy level enhances assimilation of extension messages, special education should be organized for rural farmers as is the case with nomadic education to increase adoption rates.  

Conclusively, significant relationship exists between understanding of extension packages (messages) by clienteles and adoption of improved cassava varieties; hence the Federal Government of Nigeria will need to build this phenomenon into its transformation agenda for food security.

Keywords: Assimilation of Extension messages, Downstream and Upstream oil and gas sectors, Food security, Improved Cassava varieties, farming system. 

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Access To Environmental Justice In India With Special Reference To National Green Tribunal: A Step In The Right Direction*
Gitanjali Nain Gill a
a School of Law, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 25-38, 2013.

Abstract: Access to environmental justice is a key component to ensure just and equitable outcomes for sustainable development. This paper aims to assess the present judicial structures that offer access to environmental justice in India. The initiative, presented below has wider international purchase as it is a case study of a growing judicial development.

India’s policies and laws have sought to become comprehensive and stringent particularly as a consequence of the Bhopal tragedy in 1984. The ‘command and control approach’ is supplemented by new regulatory techniques such as environment impact assessments and public hearings. However, contradictions and gaps in institutional mechanisms have resulted in ineffective implementation of legislation. Factors such as slack performance by enforcement authorities, multi-layered corruption, political interference and personal gain are the root causes for this failure.

As a consequence, the role of India’s judiciary in securing the enforcement of rights through Public Interest Litigation [PIL] outside statute law but within the constitutional mandate has promoted new and unique environmental jurisprudence.  PIL is an innovative and powerful judicial tool making human rights meaningful and effective. PIL has revolutionised the judicial procedure by introducing three procedural innovations: namely, expanded standing, non-adversarial procedure and attenuation of rights from remedies as a result of expanded frontiers of fundamental rights, particularly the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

 The right to a healthy environment finds its genesis through the right to life. The state is under a duty to enforce this constitutional right by devising and implementing a coherent and coordinated programme for the well-being of the citizenry. Failure on the part of state have prompted the judges to issue short interim directions entitled ‘continuing mandamus ‘.  The proactive judiciary has also declared and promoted the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary and the polluter pays principles.

However, concerns such as the rapidly increasing number of petitions, expensive and delayed disposal of petitions, complex technical and scientific issues, inconsistent approach by the courts based upon individual judicial preferences, unrealistic directions and the issue of creeping jurisdiction have created doubts about the current effectiveness of PIL in environmental matters.

In seeking a balanced judicial forum that advances a distinctively green jurisprudence, the Parliament of India enacted the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. The National Green Tribunal [NGT] is one element of a reformist approach to environmental governance. The Tribunal aims to adjudicate environmental protection and forest conservation cases in an effective and expeditious manner. This includes enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment together with available relief and compensation for damages to persons and property. The NGT started functioning from 4th July 2011. The Principal Bench is based at New Delhi with circuit benches at Chennai, Bhopal, Pune and Kolkata so that it can reach remoter parts of India. The principal bench and the regional benches are active. India has joined a handful of forward looking countries including Australia and New Zealand to have a dedicated green court. The creation of NGT is an important initiative. 

NGT’s potential is being realised in terms of type and volume of cases coming before it. The ‘multi-faceted and multi-skilled’ NGT with a wide jurisdiction is gradually earning the reputation of being a ‘fast-track court’.  It aims to strike a right balance between environment and development. The nature of cases which have come before the NGT  include environmental clearances for developmental projects including dams, steel plants, hydro- electric projects and thermal power plants; coastal zone regulations; encroachments on the floodplains; issues relating to pollution and imposition of environmental fines. The principles of inter-generational equity, precautionary and polluter pays principle, public trust doctrine underpinning the international environmental law have been foundational norms in deciding the matters before the NGT. 

The institutional redesigning of this judicial structure is unlikely to be the panacea for all environmental ills but it can provide a lead in terms of new forms of environmental dispute resolution. This positive initiative must be seen within the broader context of balancing competing values of environment protection and sustainability on one hand and resource driven growth on the other.   

 Keywords: Access to justice; India; National Green Tribunal; Public Interest Litigation; Sustainable Development

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Examining the Impact of Socio-economic Dimensions of Capitalism on Sustainable Development
(A Strategy For Poverty Eradication towards Sustainable Development)
Michael O. Mojeke a, Ike-Elechi Ogba b
 a Anambra State University, Nigeria.
b Ebonyi State University, Nigeria.

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 37-46, 2013.

Abstract: Any decision on sustainable economic development, must address three fundamental questions, which among others include what has been happening to poverty; unemployment and inequality or economic injustice? If all these three variables have declined from high levels, then there has been a period of development in the affected country. A descriptive approach was adopted from secondary source of data. Today we are witnessing a growing precarious economic situation of glaring distortion, disequilibrium and disharmony globally. Neo-liberal capitalism promotes individualism, greed, self-interest, primitive accumulation and economism – (which regard human societies primarily, as economic systems in which financial considerations alone, govern choices and decisions). Other fundamental values, such as faith spirituality, justice, love, compassion, sympathy, empathy and co-operation, are unwittingly neglected. This paper examines and highlights the impact of socio-economic dimensions of capitalism on sustainable development and proffers avenues for realistic and sustainable socio-economic stability and peace.. Cognizance of the above facts, the recommendations among other things, are that the economies and societies around the world, should be encouraged to promote and connect economic efficiency with economic ethics and justice and to build an “Economy of Communion” for the “Common Good of all”. The children of Adam are limbs of one another.  In terms of creation, they are of the self same essence. Human beings are like parts of a body, created from the same essence. When one part is hurt and in pain, the others cannot remain in peace and be quiet. If the misery of others leaves you different and with no feelings of sorrow, you cannot be called a human being. 

Keywords: Capitalism, Economic justice, Poverty, Socio-economic dimensions, Sustainable 

development.        

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On Health: The Post-2015 Challenges
Shuchita Sharmin
Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 47-52, 2013.

Abstract: Health is an essential development concern. Planned interventionist development identified health as one of the primary and major sector from the beginning. Among other groups, the concern for health of children and women has got momentum as they constitute the majority of the vulnerable groups. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the instruction to compel the states parties and obliges them to comply with child rights standards. Additionally, in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), special attention is given to child and maternal health. While the signatories of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recognizes the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to the enjoyment of facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health; the health of women, girls and children had been among the top priorities within the UN system reflected through the concerns of UNFPA and WHO. In the global arena, Millennium development goals reflect the importance of health. Out of the eight Millennium Development Goals, the importance of health related priority for development is reflected through three goals, Goal 4 ‘reduce child mortality’; Goal 5 ‘improve maternal health’; and Goal 6 ‘combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases’. Again, one of the indicators for Goal 1, ‘eradicate extreme poverty and hunger’ is – ‘Prevalence of underweight children under five years of age’. Other Goals, such as, Goal 2 ‘achieve universal education’ essentially leads to the understanding that through equal access to education and with special focus on education for health and nutrition, required health outcomes may be achieved. Goal 3 focuses on promoting gender equality through eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education for empowering women to a greater extent. Such focuses are also momentous progresses toward ensuring health for mother and child. For Goal 7, ‘ensure environmental sustainability’, health related target is ‘by 2015, halve the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation’ and the indicators specified are ‘proportion of population with sustainable access to an improved water source, urban and rural; and proportion of population with access to improved sanitation, urban and rural’. Even for Goal 8, ‘develop a global partnership for development’, one of the targets is ‘in cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential medicines in developing countries’. Hence, all the MDGs exclusively focus on health as a development concern. In such a setting, as the closing year of MDGs is approaching, this paper, aims 1) to revisit the achievements of the health-related MDGs and 2) to identify the Post-2015 Challenges. The study relies on literature review as source of information to deduce the Post-2015 challenges. The major challenges identified for a comprehensive and sustainable health and nutrition service for all, include- (a) Mental and social well-being; while the challenges are post-disaster trauma, lack of access to health facilities, taboo, discrimination, etc. (b) Adolescent reproductive health (c) Children with disabilities (d) Differences in health outcomes: Regional and socio-economic i.e. disparity in terms of rich and poor ; Urban and rural conditioning (e) Quality health care service (f) Effective health education and required material support (g) Protection against abuse, exploitation and violence

This article is based on literature review. While analyzing the relevant literature, it was revealed that various research had estimated the possible challenges to be encountered in the projected years. However, a bottom up approach is required for identifying the challenges and successful implementation of the new agenda. Such bottom up approach helps to unveil stakeholders’ points of view. The practical implication of the present study lies on the fact that it points to the gap that exists due to ‘not hearing what the children, adolescents, mothers and health service providers say’. Even then, the question remains as to ‘who listens to whom?’

Keywords: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Priority health agenda after 2015, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

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Navigating Climate Change: Extenuating Strategies To Combat Climate Migration Threats
Aprna Kadian a, Puja Kumari b, Arpita Sharma c
a,b.c University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India. 

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 53-68, 2013.

Abstract: When we speak of the most prone areas on the globe which will be severely affected by any mishap then it includes mainly Asia and the Pacific region. Not only in terms of the number of natural disasters occurring but also in terms of the population affected. Climate change is the issue that is seeking utmost importance in the present scenario and requires urgent attention. Talking about Asia specifically, South Asia is the focus to get affected by changing climatic conditions. South- Asia will not only see the adverse effects of climate change in future but it had been a stern and quite a frequent victim of climate change and the migration caused thereof. Spot lighting on the situation of Bangladesh, cross-border migration of millions took place to India over a period of time which not only caused internal imbalances but also emerged as a major threat to the security of the nation. History has witnessed many instances which caused not only the loss of lives of many but also gave rise to political and economic disturbances.

This paper aims to test the validity of the hypothesis that climate change in the coming years is likely to induce massive migration to and from South Asia, both within and across the borders. This paper analyses impacts of interaction of various adverse climatic events such as glacial melt, sea level rise, floods, cyclones, erosion etc, with various social, political and economic factors such as poverty, unemployment etc. on the trends of life patterns in South Asia which is among the most populous regions of the world. It further attempts to evaluate the status of climate change refugees and protections availed by them at the international level specially the inefficiency of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IMO) frameworks and the Geneva Convention 1951, in taking into consideration the plight of climate change refugees. It is a modest attempt on part of the authors to demonstrate with the help of case studies, some of the likely consequences and threats to security which are likely to follow climate change migration It further proceeds with suggesting some plausible solutions to the problems of climate change which in itself are a new discipline which has emerged recently and suggests alleviation, resilience and adjustment strategies such as, mitigation, resilience and adaptation. The authors have also put forth many steps and measures that can be taken both at the global and national level in order to reduce and minimize the risks caused by climate change.

 Keywords: Climate Change, Migration, Security, Strategies, Threat.

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NGO, Social Capital and Microfinance: A conceptual model
Mohshin Habib a, Christine Jubb b
    a Faculty of Business and Enterprise, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. 
b Centre for Enterprise Performance, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 67-78, 2013.

Abstract: One of the major programs advocated by NGOs worldwide and, more specifically, in South Asia is ‘credit’ provision along with their other social agendas. NGOs providing such credit have become known as microfinance institutions or MFIs. By advocating and implementing microfinance programs, MFIs aim to assist and enable their members to have an improved quality of life. Theoretically, these successes rely heavily on the conception that MFI members or borrowers can make use of their social capital to overcome many of the problems associated with asymmetric information in credit markets, such as adverse selection, moral hazard, collateral and contract enforcement, etc. Together these concepts constitute the notion of ‘wellbeing’ and are made up of human development, physical assets, social capital and increased income. On the other hand, Bourdieu’s (Bourdieu 1986b) definition of social capital as ‘economic, cultural and social’ forms of capital which can be converted into money or may be institutionalized into a form of a qualification, or as a form of ‘social obligation’ that can be institutionalized as a form of a ‘title of nobility’. Bourdieu put forward the argument that economic capital is the ‘bottom line’ whereas social and cultural capital is instrumental to improving one’s economic standing or economic capital in capitalist societies. The social effect of microfinance can lead to higher social status, and also help in the formation of social capital in society. Thus, microfinance programs around the world have a strong pivotal role in harnessing social capital for its successful programs as well as complementing the formation or further strengthening of social capital in a social or community setting. This paper discusses aspects of non-government organizations (NGOs), given their importance to the microfinance sector. It includes their typology, early development and the theoretical underpinnings of their growth, followed by a review of the more controversial schools of thought around the emergence of NGOs. Then a discussion on social capital provides a theoretical link with NGOs, in this case, to the context of Microfinance Institutions. The paper presents and concludes with a conceptual model that shows how the intervention of microfinance can impact positively on several elements of social capital and improve the socio-economic situation and vice versa. 

Keywords: Microfinance, contract enforcement, social obligation, social capital 

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Fundamental Issues Affecting Offshore Education: Experience From A Developing Country
David Xueji Qian
Faculty of Business and Enterprise, Swinburne University of Technology
PO Box 218, Mail 23, John Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia
Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 79-86, 2013.

Abstract : Based on his experience in an offshore campus of an Australian university in a developing country, the writer, using the replies to a questionnaire given to the staff and students of the campus, investigates fundamental issues affecting the delivery of the academic program within the campus. The major issues discussed include the suitability of the curriculum, sensitivity to cultural differences, effective teaching methodology, and competence in language skills. The provision of offshore education overcomes many of the difficulties faced by international students who travel overseas to study, and if attention to these four fundamental issues is maintained, then there is more likelihood of the continued sustainability of international education by Australian universities.

Keywords: offshore education; language; pedagogy; curriculum; cultural understanding

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Affecting factors on empowerment of women who headed households
(Case study Delfan city, Lorestan province in Iran)
Shima Safa a, Mahboobeh Babai b
a Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Shahrak Gharb, Tehran, Iran.

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 88-98, 2013.

Abstract: Women’s poverty exist as an issue of long time in all human societies, in recent years we have been witness the formation of new approaches under the empowerment approach in the field of Sustainable Development.

The main purpose of this study is affecting “Imam Khomeini Relief commit” services on the empowerment of women headed households who are live in Delfan city.  Survey’s Method is “concurrent –triangulation mixed methods design”. In the Qualitative research used: rapid rural assessment methods, participatory evaluation, semi structured interviews and various techniques such as interviews, stroll transverse, group discussion and etc. we selected 21 individuals by using snowball sampling. In the quantities method, 228 people selected from 3053 people based on Cochran formula. After collected data by questionnaire, we described and analysis them by SPSS.

Here’s Welfare Services is an orderly and organized social welfare system to be supported people to complete satisfaction and a comfortable standard of living for individuals to establish coverage. Educational Services and Financial Services are Welfare Service’s indicators. Based on the results, individual characteristic had the highest effect on the empowerment of women headed, also education, skills, employment status of women has been affected on empowerment of women who had higher education or technical skills were more powerful. Results also show that among self-employed loans, and psychological and economic empowerment of women is significant and positive relationship exists.

But pay the salary without any plan can’t help to empowerment of women headed can be concluded that the Imam khomeini Relief committee in relation to poverty, has welfare approach. Number of years covered by the client confirmed this to be so More than two-thirds of the population has been studied for more than three years protected by the committee. This represents sustain poverty and dependency of women is a charity committee and possibly other sources. The most important results based on the type of pension related services, help and empower women headed households is economically, socially and psychologically, there is no statistically significant relationship. It is notable that many of the patients were using just this type of service. In conclusion we can say that the majority of services provided to persons not covered by the committee in order to empower them, Rather than a small heal on their poverty. And continue to follow this process will result in the stabilization of the situation of poverty and their dependence on the contributions of others. 

Keyword: Women headed households, empowerment, poverty, Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, Lorestan

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Foreign Direct Investment in Infrastructure: Experience from Privatization and Utility Reform in Uganda
David Ross Olanya
Department of Public Administration and Management, Gulu University, Uganda.  

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 97-114, 2013.

Abstract: The convention thinking in public sector economics is that government intervention in the economy is often motivated by market failures. Unfortunately, government does not often succeed in correcting market failures. The limitation implies that government should direct its energies only at those areas in which market failures are most significant and where there is evidence that government intervention can make a significant difference. However, controversy still remains over how limited or how active the government should be, and this is very contestable within the utility sector, in which its provision is associated with high sunk cost, political economy and the welfare state.  The Government of Uganda adopted economic liberalization policy in the 1990s through creating an enabling legislation for privatization and utility reform. This resulted into the privatization of the power sector with the intention of breaking the monopoly of Uganda Electricity Board in the generation, distribution and transmission of power to successor companies. The power sector restructuring and privatization were strategically intended to make power sector financially viable and efficient in order to meet the growing demands for electricity, and increase the area coverage. The improvements in viability and quality of electricity supply would mean attracting private capital into the sector, and taking advantages of the export opportunities. Generally, the power sector reform was intended to improve on attractiveness of country to influence investment decisions. Through concessions, Eskom and Umeme Companies were given up to twenty years to maintain and operate hydropower plants, and also to maintain and operate the distribution networks and collect revenues from all connected customers respectively. The government however, retains the regulatory power through its Electricity Regulatory Authority. Although foreign direct investment was assumed to replace public investment in the power sector, this however has shown little progress as private investment is strongly influenced by exogenous factors. The little progress remains because of the limited presence of public resources in the power sector. The dynamics of power deficit in Uganda’s power sector is becoming chronic, and this is coupled with the increasing demand for power that exceeds the generation capacity. With the increasing power deficit, public opinion and influence are very negative towards the privatization of the power sector. The public and legislatures believe that Umeme contract must be terminated on the grounds of high tariffs, worsening load shedding, and poor customers’ satisfaction. However, the contract cannot be terminated because of its nature. It is even cheaper to stay within the line of inefficiencies than terminating the contract.  The government therefore has maintained that Umeme contract can only be terminated when there is evidence of not achieving the performance benchmarks such as upgrading the distribution infrastructure, reducing energy losses in transition and standardizing tariffs. Umeme defends its performance to have already achieved the reduction in power transmission losses, supplying reliable energy and also connected more new customers. The controversial issues remaining are that the UK Company (Umeme, established by Consortium, Globeleg and Eskom enterprises) is insulated from losses; if any, to be paid by the government while at same time must reclaim all core capital investments upon expiry of its contract. Also, as a respond to high tariff, the government through the World Bank support has instituted consumer subsidies to keep tariffs at affordable levels by consumers. Using economic approach of market failures, this article examines the tensions between Umeme Company, the government, the public and investors in Uganda. Few analyses have been conducted in the experience of private sector role in the power sector in developing countries.   

 Keywords: (privatization, Umeme, power providers, energy shortages, and market failures) 

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African Environmental Values and Climatic Change 
David Ross Olanya
Department of Public Administration and Management, Gulu University, Uganda.

Volume 06, Issue 04, Pg. 116-131, 2013.

Abstract: The current energy and food crises have created additional pressure on African natural resources in order to meet capitalist interests, both local and foreign and in host countries. Moreover, the guiding principles in managing environment are now being influenced by new bureaucratic assigned values with little attention to the role of African ecological knowledge in preserving nature. The destruction of traditional values has affected ethical decisions making of most policy makers in poor countries in favor of capitalistic values of individualism and self-satisfaction. Natural resources are seen as objects for exploitation and profit making, especially being used for individual private gain and self-satisfaction. African value system that used to help keep a balance between human activities and environment has not only changed, but has been neglected in managing our environments. Yet, this knowledge has been generated from generation to generation and could be very useful in managing the current global crisis of climatic change. Similarly, capitalist values have altered people’s attitudes towards natural resources, being seen as objects for exploitation. In seeking for solutions to global environmental problems, African environmental values were explored in the context of environmental decision making. Traditional ecological knowledge is considered as an alternative for Sub Saharan Africa, sharing the view on natural environment as a cultural heritage in achieving a sustainable development. It is a motivating force and valuable way of life for managing our common future in the era of climatic change. This study appreciates African habits, practices, traditions, and values that protect, and foster natural environment, and further explains how people’s attitudes have changed towards sacred forests, exploiting and cutting down trees to meet individual ends. African held values are often expressed in terms of environmental values, the relative importance or worth of an object to an individual or group in a given context, in which the assigned value is based on. However, the relevance of African ecological knowledge in environmental conservationism has continued to receive little attention, both at local, national and international levels. The notion within the conventional wisdom is that environmental concern is related to post-materialist value, and that poor people, who struggle to sustain their basic daily and material needs do not care about the environment. However, the notion that only rich peoples and nations express their environmental concerns and/or whether economic wellbeing precedes environmentalism is highly questioned. Specific local context shows that poor rural Africans have deep rooted held values for the environment. Social context and cultural factors shape environmental values and determine the value formation process. For policy makers, much attention is focused on economic expression of values. However, this has attracted criticisms in articulating the wide range of environmental values, in which the economic expression ignores held values and pays more attention to assigned values. This article explores the role of African values in preserving the environment as an alternative to individualistic capitalist values. Using local perspective on environment conservation, this paper reviews the sources of values influencing the loss of African natural resources in the current era of climatic change. It draws the relevance of African ecological knowledge in motivating environmental sustainability that could be utilized, although it has received little attention in the development discourse of sustainable development.

Keywords: sustainable development, climatic change, value system, sacred ecology and traditional ecological knowledge

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